brake fluid CHEVROLET C3500 HD 2001 4.G User Guide

6-30
The other reason is that fluid is leaking out of the brake
system. If it is, you should have your brake system
fixed, since a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won't work well, or won't work at all.
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill
on the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine
is hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system. See ªChecking Brake Fluidº
in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't, have your brake
system checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over
the MAX mark.

6-31
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to
be replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-63
Underhood Fuse/Relay Center
The underhood fuse/relay center is located in the rear of
the engine compartment near the brake fluid reservoir.
See ªEngine Compartment Overviewº in the Index for
more information on location. Move the retainer clips
for the cover to access the fuse block.
You can remove fuses with a fuse extractor which is
mounted to the interior fuse block. To remove fuses
if you don't have a fuse extractor, hold the end of the
fuse between your thumb and index finger and pull
straight out.Name Usage
Starter Relay Starter
A/C Relay Air Conditioning
Fuel Pump Relay Fuel Pump
Brake
Lamp RelayBrake Lamp
Blank Not Used

Scheduled Maintenance
7-5
Short Trip/City Definition
Follow the Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance if
any one of these conditions is true for your vehicle:

Most trips are less than 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km).
This is particularly important when outside
temperatures are below freezing.

Most trips include extensive idling (such as frequent
driving in stop
-and-go traffic).

You operate your vehicle in dusty areas or
off
-road frequently.

You frequently tow a trailer.

If the vehicle is used for delivery service, police, taxi
or other commercial application.
One of the reasons you should follow this schedule
if you operate your vehicle under any of these conditions
is that these conditions cause engine oil to break
down sooner.
Short Trip/City Intervals
Every 3,000 Miles (5 000 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or 3 months, whichever occurs first). Chassis
Lubrication (or 3 months, whichever occurs first).
Rear Axle Fluid Check.
Every 6,000 Miles (10 000 km): Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Shields and
Underhood Insulation Inspection. Diesel Engine
Only: Thermostatically Controlled Engine Cooling
Fan Check (or every 12 months, whichever occurs
first). Diesel Engine Only: Air Intake System
Inspection. Front Wheel Bearing Repack
(or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
Every 24,000 Miles (40 000 km): Diesel Engine Only:
Fuel Cap Replacement, if driving in dusty conditions.
(Continued)

Scheduled Maintenance
7-7
Long Trip/Highway Definition
Follow this scheduled maintenance only if none of the
conditions from the Short Trip/City Scheduled
Maintenance are true. Do not use this schedule if the
vehicle is used for trailer towing, driven in a dusty area
or used off paved roads. Use the Short Trip/City
schedule for these conditions.
Driving a vehicle with a fully warmed engine under
highway conditions causes engine oil to break
down slower.
Long Trip/Highway Intervals
Every 7,500 Miles (12 500 km): Engine Oil and Filter
Change (or every 12 months, whichever occurs first).
Chassis Lubrication (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Rear Axle Fluid Check. Tire Rotation.
Every 15,000 Miles (25 000 km): Shields and
Underhood Insulation Inspection. Diesel Engine
Only: Thermostatically Controlled Engine Cooling
Fan Check (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). Diesel Engine Only: Air Intake
System Inspection.
Every 30,000 Miles (50 000 km): Rear Axle
Fluid Change with High Speed Use. Fuel Filter
Replacement. Front Wheel Bearing Repack
(or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).
(Continued)

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-11
12,000 Miles (20 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs first).

Inspect shields and underhood insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust or
replace as required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable
only to vehicles sold in the United States.
(Continued)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
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DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-14
27,000 Miles (45 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Change axle fluid if the
vehicle is driven in extreme overload, trailer towing and/or high
-speed
(above 40 mph or 70 km/h) conditions for extended periods of time.

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs first).

Replace fuel filter.
An Emission Control Service. (See footnote
.)
Inspect shields and underhood insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust or
replace as required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable
only to vehicles sold in the United States.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-17
42,000 Miles (70 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)
45,000 Miles (75 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings
(or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).

Inspect shields and underhood insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust or
replace as required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable
only to vehicles sold in the United States.
(Continued)
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-20
57,000 Miles (95 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.
60,000 Miles (100 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed. Change axle fluid if the
vehicle is driven in extreme overload, trailer towing and/or high
-speed
(above 40 mph or 70 km/h) conditions for extended periods of time.

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings (or at each brake relining,
whichever occurs first).

Inspect shields and underhood insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust or
replace as required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable
only to vehicles sold in the United States.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE

Short Trip/City Scheduled Maintenance
7-24
72,000 Miles (120 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Rotate tires. See ªTire Inspection and Rotationº in the Index for proper
rotation pattern and additional information. (See footnote +.)

Diesel Engine Only: Replace fuel filler cap if driving in dusty conditions.
An Emission Control Service.
75,000 Miles (125 000 km)

Change engine oil and filter (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
An Emission Control Service.

Lubricate chassis components (or every 3 months, whichever occurs first).
(See footnote #.)

Clean and repack the front wheel bearings
(or at each brake relining, whichever occurs first).

Check rear axle fluid level and add fluid as needed.

Inspect shields and underhood insulation for damage or looseness. Adjust or
replace as required. This is a Noise Emission Control Service. Applicable only
to vehicles sold in the United States.
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE
ACTUAL
SERVICED BY:MILEAGE
DATE